By Matt Stefano
After opening up preseason action with a 3-1 win over the Soo Eagles Thursday night at Big Bear Arena, the Soo Thunderbirds returned home to the John Rhodes for a rematch against their cross border rivals in their their second and final game of the preseason.
On Friday night, the Thunderbirds dropped a 4-0 decision to the Eagles and ended their preseason with a record of one win and one loss.
“We played good as a team,” said Thunderbirds rookie defenceman Nate Medaglia. “We worked hard and got pucks deep. We can obviously work on things, but I thought it was a good start.”
Medaglia, who signed with the Thunderbirds during the offseason after spending last season with the St. Mary’s Knights, finished preseason action with one assist in two games.
“Preseason was a good experience,” conluded Medaglia. “I’m glad to be playing at a high level of hockey now. It’s a transition from high school, but there’s a lot of work to be done still and I’m excited.”
Dean Wotta and Lucas Rothe led the way offensively for the Eagles with a goal and an assist.
Mihali See and Brendan Blair had a power play goal each for the Eagles while Ari Lerman, Mike Butcher, Jack Wood and Brett Morich all had an assist each.
Joe Benedetto made 33 saves for the Eagles shutout.
Thunderbirds goaltender Colin Ahern, who got his first taste of NOJHL action on Friday night, made 34 saves on 38 shots.
The Thunderbirds will begin their 2018-2019 regular season on Friday, September 7th against the Soo Eagles at 7:00 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
(Photo credit to Rod Aubertin)
